We must try hard to work together
I just wanted to let you know how interesting I found your article on co-operation between housing, social services and the police (‘Have you missed your connection?’, Inside Housing, 4 June). I was able to relate to all three scenarios and some of the failures of the respective organisations.
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It is sad to say that my experience as a housing support officer is that it is common practice for social services and police not to adhere to the professional responsibilities they are employed to carry out. I have worked closely with many vulnerable clients needing the support of social services (including mental health teams), but found my referrals not taken seriously, or clients offloaded into supported housing schemes, leaving housing support workers to deal with their social needs.
The implication of the Quality Assessment Framework (Supporting People) has resulted in our organisation trying even harder for more effective partnership working with other organisations, but trust me, it’s not easy. Sometimes trying to get the social worker to attend a meeting is the biggest hurdle.
Abdul Aziz, housing support officer